Time for an upgrade.

Caporegime
Joined
8 Nov 2008
Posts
29,390
I will be upgrading my cpu / mobo withtin the next few weeks. I would like my new rig to deliver good price for performance. Budget is flexible.


My current spec is :

Gigabyte X48T-DQ6
Q6600 @ 3.4ghz + Artic Cooling Freezer Pro 7 rev 1
OCZ 4x1gb dual channel ddr3 platinum 12800 / 1600mhz
Enermax Galaxy 1kw psu
Crucial M4 128gb
Antec Skeleton
Gigabyte NVIDIA gtx480 SOC


I won't be changing the gpu or ssd. I won't be water cooling.


I'm already more or less sure on the cpu : 3570k. However, I am a little unsure about the cooler. As I understand, the Noctua DH-14 is very, very good, but what else is quiet and great for cooling? One or two brands spring to mind (Prolimatech, Gelid, BeQuiet), but I'm not too sure about specific models.


I'm even less clued up on motherboards, but I can say that I don't think I'll be going down the multi-card route for the time being, so one X16 lane should be enough for me, and as long as it enables me to get a good overclock on the cpu, I'll be very happy. Brands that have caught my eye are ASrock, MSI and even ASUS (if OcUK handle an ASUS rma then fine). I still appreciate Gigabyte boards, though I'm open to other suggestions.


I'm thinking about keeping the ram,... for the time being anyway.


Would it be safe to still use my four year old psu? I expect probably not, but bearing in mind the quality of the unit, I have wondered about this. It has been a fantastic unit.


Then there's the case. Space and airflow is a priority, so something like a full tower. The links below are of a few that pique my interest :

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-237-CM&groupid=2362&catid=2276&subcat=

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-165-AN&groupid=2362&catid=160&subcat=

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-258-SV&groupid=2362&catid=1092&subcat=


Fire away!
 
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This any good?
 
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Is the 3820 worth it over the 3570k?
Don't think so. The only benefit would be the extra cores, but considering most games are still only using 2-3 cores...

And in games that does benefit from the extra cores (i.e. BF3), you would need VERY high graphic (i.e. GTX690, SLI/CF two high-end cards) and a 120Hz monitor before the extra cores might make a difference. There's very few games that an overclocked i5 3570K can't push 60fps at the moment (not counting Starcraft II)...and those that don't, it would be because of the games using less than 4 cores (meaning the extra cores on the 3820 won't help at all).
 
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Don't think so. The only benefit would be the extra cores, but considering most games are still only using 2-3 cores...

And in games that does benefit from the extra cores (i.e. BF3), you would need VERY high graphic (i.e. GTX690, SLI/CF two high-end cards) and a 120Hz monitor before the extra cores might make a difference. There's very few games that an overclocked i5 3570K can't put 60fps at the moment...and those that don't, it would be because of the games using less than 4 cores (meaning the extra cores on the 3820 won't help at all).

Ok, thanks, I'll stick with the 3570k. I just need advice and opinions on mobos / cpu coolers and cases. :)
 
Ok, thanks, I'll stick with the 3570k. I just need advice and opinions on mobos / cpu coolers and cases. :)
Problem with the 3570K...or IvyBridge CPU to be exact is how it trap the heat within the CPU like a mini-oven and not transfer the heat onto the CPU cooler effectively, so despite the chip itself can hit 5GHz on overclock, realistically for 24/7 use you would have to expect 4.5-4.6GHz max...as the temp would become too high beyond that, regardless of what CPU cooler you use.
 
Problem with the 3570K...or IvyBridge CPU to be exact is how it trap the heat within the CPU like a mini-oven and not transfer the heat onto the CPU cooler effectively, so despite the chip itself can hit 5GHz on overclock, realistically for 24/7 use you would have to expect 4.5-4.6GHz max...as the temp would become too high beyond that, regardless of what CPU cooler you use.

So, would you say a Sandybridge would be better for heat dissipation, (along with a cooler like I gave as an example)?
 
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I assume I'd be safe in that regard with the cooler master case I linked to above? :)

Also, what bang for buck mobo do you think would suit my criteria (above)? As long as it won't hold the cpu overclocking back, and gives me 1 x 16 pci-e lane, that's all I should need.
 
So, would you say a Sandybridge would be better for heat dissipation, (along with a cooler like I gave as an example)?
I would still get the i5 3570K (as it is still a faster CPU than Sandy)...just don't overclock it beyond 4.5-4.6GHz that's all.

I definitely wouldn't recommend a new i5 2500K for so little less money than the i5 3570K...if you get one 2nd hand for around £100, then that's a different story.
 
I would still get the i5 3570K (as it is still a faster CPU than Sandy)...just don't overclock it beyond 4.5-4.6GHz that's all.

I definitely wouldn't recommend a new i5 2500K for so little less money than the i5 3570K...if you get one 2nd hand for around £100, then that's a different story.

Well yes. But IMO ivy bridge is a little mistake. In everday use you wouldnt see the difference.
 

Thanks. Apart from it being out of stock, is there any other reason why you'd choose your mobo over this one? I know it's only a small price difference, but hey. More curious than anything.

Are the phantek cpu coolers quiet?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-401-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2261
 
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Thanks. Apart from it being out of stock, is there any other reason why you'd choose your mobo over this one? I know it's only a small price difference, but hey. More curious than anything.

Are the phantek cpu coolers quiet?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-401-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2261

10+ in stock for immediate despatch. :confused:
The case is your personal choice. Fractal, NZXT, cooler master, corsair are good quality cases. Its up to you.

And what is not in stock? All the components i gave you are in stock...
 
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IC3 keeps rejecting Ivybridge despite the fact they are better chips, so wouldnt listen to a lot of his advice
 
10+ in stock for immediate despatch. :confused:
The case is your personal choice. Fractal, NZXT, cooler master, corsair are good quality cases. It up to you.

Sorry, I meant the one I linked to is out of stock. :D

The more I look at it, the more taken I am with the case you linked. I like the black and orange one.
 
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